General Tso’s Chicken is the ultimate fusion of crispy, golden-brown chicken and a perfectly balanced sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and just a touch spicy. A beloved takeout classic, this dish is all about bold flavors and satisfying textures. Each bite delivers juicy chicken coated in a glossy glaze infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of chili, topped with sesame seeds and green onions for extra crunch and aroma.
A Brief History of General Tso’s Chicken
Despite its name, General Tso’s Chicken isn’t a dish with roots in traditional Chinese cuisine. The dish was popularized in the United States in the 1970s by Chinese-American chefs, most notably Peng Chang-kuei, a chef from Hunan, China, who is credited with inventing the recipe. It’s said that Peng created the dish in Taiwan, and it was later introduced to American diners, where it quickly gained popularity.
The dish was inspired by Hunan flavors but adapted to appeal to Western tastes. With its iconic sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and dried chilies, this dish embodies the bold yet approachable flavors we associate with Chinese-American food.
Tips and Tricks for the Best General Tso’s Chicken
- Double-Fry the Chicken: For an extra-crispy texture, fry the chicken pieces a second time at a higher temperature.
- Balance the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by tweaking the sugar and vinegar levels to suit your taste.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add extra dried chilies or a dash of Sriracha for more heat.
- Keep it Crispy: Don’t toss the chicken in the sauce until just before serving.
Variations of General Tso’s Chicken
This iconic dish is incredibly versatile! Here are some popular variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or cauliflower. Coat and fry them the same way for a crispy result.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend for coating.
- Healthy Twist: Bake the chicken instead of frying, or use an air fryer for a low-oil alternative.
- Alternative Proteins: Try shrimp, pork, or even turkey for a unique spin.
How to Serve General Tso’s Chicken
- Rice: Jasmine or steamed white rice is the classic pairing.
- Noodles: Toss the chicken with lo mein or serve alongside fried noodles.
- Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a complete meal.
- Appetizers: Pair with egg rolls, dumplings, or hot and sour soup for a full Chinese-American feast.
How to Store and Reheat General Tso’s Chicken
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet to retain crispiness.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: While convenient, it may make the chicken less crispy.
Recipe FAQs
Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer dried chilies.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken in advance. Toss them together just before serving for best results.
What’s the difference between General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken?
General Tso’s Chicken has a spicier, more savory sauce, while Orange Chicken features a sweeter, citrus-based glaze.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, though thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
How do I prevent soggy chicken?
Don’t sauce the chicken until right before serving, and avoid overcrowding the pan during frying.
General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is the ultimate fusion of crispy, golden-brown chicken and a perfectly balanced sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and just a touch spicy.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb chicken thigh or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar (or honey)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1-2 dried red chilies (adjust for spice level)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Dip the chicken pieces in beaten egg, then coat with the dry mixture.
- Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch.
- Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium heat. Sauté garlic, ginger, and dried chilies until fragrant.
- Add the sauce mixture to the wok. Simmer until thickened and glossy.
Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until evenly coated. - Serve hot with steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 375Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 154mgSodium: 671mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 24g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
General Tso’s Chicken is more than just a delicious dish—it’s a cultural icon that bridges flavors and traditions. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this guide has you covered with tips, variations, and techniques to nail the perfect plate every time. Try the recipe, get creative with the variations, and savor the magic of this timeless favorite!
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